Greenfield annual report for 2012
VILLAGE OF GREENFIELD, OHIO
CITY MANAGER'S 2012 YEARLY REPORT
January 16, 2013
By BETTY BISHOP
Greenfield City Manager
What has it taken to be the City Manager of Greenfield, Ohio going in to the second decade of the twenty first century? (December 7, 2011 - January 16, 2013).
Having a very supportive husband and the support of the majority of city council members. Giving me the freedom needed to give Greenfield top priority.
As a community leader I pray daily for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding: live a personal life that is blameless, never be bitter, and remain upright ethically and morally. I strive to treat others as I would like to be treated, fair and equal.
Being a driving force is tremendously important, an encourager, a community cheer leader, working hard, not expecting more from others than they can expect from me, and empowering others to use their complete set of skills.
Having a passion for the growth and betterment of the Village of Greenfield, loving every minute that I have been at work. Living near my work on the outskirts of Greenfield (Hillsboro) has been vitally important. I would encourage future city managers to at least live in the Greenfield School District.
Getting to know every citizen, answering every call, addressing every concern, and always keeping in mind there are 4639 citizens that will be affected somehow or someway by every decision that I make.
Getting involved with every community event that I possibly can and letting every citizen, organization, club, business, industry, church and school know that I really care. Keeping informed of what is happening locally, county wide, regionally, statewide, and nationally attending and cooperating with every networking opportunity possible. Working side by side with county commissioners, state and federal representatives and senators always working to be a team builder. Knowing that progress does not begin or end at the city limits.
Projects that I see that are in the reach of future community leaders are: Annexation of surrounding properties, completion of the Greenfield Railroad EDA upgrade, wind and energy projects fulfilling Green Energy Ohio feasibility study, and E. Lafayette and Second Street Storm water catch basins.
Concerns that will take continuous watch dogging are : trash, drugs, sidewalks, building maintenance, theft, street maintenance, aging water& sewer lines, storm sewers, pot holes, pot holes, and pot holes.
*******
Village of Greenfield 2012 work force is comprised of:
3 Waste Water Treatment
2 ½ Water Treatment (plus 1 part time)
1 ½ Meter Department
2 Street (plus 1 contract)
1 Cemetery (plus 1 contract)
2 Water Office
1 Income Tax Office
2 Finance Office
1 Administrative Office
13 Police Department (plus one contract officer)
1 chief
3 Sergeants
5 Patrolmen
3 dispatchers
1 School Resource Officer
1 contract officer
3 K-9 Units
1 Public Service Director
1 City manager
31 total (plus 3 contract and 1 part time)
We also utilize community service workers, jobs and family service workers, and workers from other agencies as available.
*******
2012 department by department yearly reports fulfilling our belief that the village of Greenfield is blessed with one of the most effective workforces available. Each person represented in these reports hold a work ethic second to none.
********
STREET DEPARTMENT 2012 YEAR END REPORT
REPORT SUBMITTED BY TATE WAGNER AND JUSTIN BREWER
This year we started the year by working on the Stop Sign replacement program. Upgrading all of our stop signs to the new minimum retroreflectivity standards. We were able to get all of the stop signs on our streets changed. We also put up new Street Name signs around town. We started clearing brush at the Cemetery to make room for extending the storm sewer through the valley. We also started patching alleys with grindings.
The winter was light and we didn't use much of our salt inventory, which saved us from purchasing any salt for 2013. We then started in on some storm sewer repair and trash clean up around town on private properties. We also spent a lot of time clearing brush on the Rail Road along the different crossing and picking up trash along the Rail Road for a total of 40 days.
Worked with Jason Gillow from OVRDC on the infrastructure GIS (Geographic Information System) program. We finished the storm sewer part of this program. We went on to purchase our own GIS unit and software to be able to stay on top of our infrastructure as well as take advantage of new GIS opportunities.
We worked at Mitchells Park putting playground mulch around the play equipment, and putting up a new volleyball net and post. We later pumped the pond dry and had it dredged out by local excavators Bruce Free, Donnie Morris, and Rob Snavely.
Southern State Truck Driving Academy came in for a one day training class. Jon Brewer, Justin Brewer and Tate Wagner all passed their Class A CDL test.
The Farmers Mkt. was moved to City Hall and we set out barricades for it weekly from June into October. We also set up for the GOBA event that came thru town.
We had South Washington St. crosswalks and stop bars done with Thermoplastic as well as all the crosswalks and stop bars around the School.
We added two new storm sewers in town. One in the 600 block of Mirabeau St. and the other in the alley beside Hearth & Care.
Cox Paving paved Edgewood Ave., 300, 400, 500, & 600 blocks of McClain Ave., and the alley beside Hearth & Care. We patched streets with hot mix and Quality Paving helped patch some of the bigger digs around town.
We purchased a much needed Bucket Truck late in the summer. Painted the benches on City Hall lawn. We mowed and weed eated around town and the Old Cemetery and kept the trash containers empty downtown.
We also helped in the other departments throughout the year as needed.
Cemetery - 35 times
Water Dept. - 6 times
Sewer Dept. - 5 times
********
Income Tax Administrator
Margaret Mobley
JANUARY 4, 2013
CITY INCOME TAXES COLLECTED FOR DECEMBER
2012……..……... ...$ 84,678.73
YEAR TO DATE TAXES COLLECTED 01/01/12 THRU
12/31/12….. .....$ 1,213,287.83
********
CITY INCOME TAX COLLECTED FOR DECEMBER 2011…………………….$ 67,355.27
YEAR TO DATE TAXES COLLECTED 01/01/11 THRU 12/31/11………….$ 1,090,281.36
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION INDICATES TOTAL INCOME TAX COLLECTIONS FOR TAX YEARS 2011 AND 2012:
20112012
WITHHOLDING: $ 914,624.12$ 1,022,438.27
BUSINESS: $ 60,161.49$ 78,366.55
INDIVIDUALS: $ 115,495.75$ 112,483.01
TOTAL: $ 1,090,281.36$ 1,213,287.83
*****
2012 WATER AND SEWER REPORT
REPORT RECORDED AND SUBMITTED BY REBECCA STUCKEY AND BEVERLY GIFFIN
2012 2011
New Water Service Taps 0 1
New Sewer Service Taps 0 0
Consumer Service Tickets Processed 1,474 1,373
Consumer Bills Processed 24,289 24,487
Remote Meters Installed 5 5
Touch Read Meters Installed/Replaced 11 (Total in System 831) 16 (Total in System 815)
Meters Replaced 10 25
Consumer Water Gallons Billed 106,574,000 106,978,000
Consumer Sewer Gallons Billed 103,007,000 102,838,000
COLLECTIONS
Water $ 620,391.82 $ 606,665.99
Misc. Water 9,270.04 7,526.78
Water Total $ 629,661.86 $ 614,192.77
Sewer $ 1,151,527.22 $ 1,143,376.68
Misc. Sewer 7,266.90 7,474.63
Sewer Total $ 1,158,794.12 $ 1,150,851.31
GRAND TOTAL $ 1,788,455.98 $ 1,765,044.08
December 14,874,000 13,733,000
GALLONS PUMPED 169,780,000 201,545,000
******
Greenfield Water Department
Plant Operation and Distribution Maintenance
Nathan Campbell, Tim Beech, and Jon Hilliard
*******
Greenfield Police Department
TIMOTHY W. HESTER, Chief of Police
300 Jefferson Street * Greenfield, Ohio 45123
Phone (937) 981-7777 * Fax (937) 981-5400 * Emergency 911
January 7, 2013
Betty Bishop, City Manager
and
Members of Greenfield Village Council
Re: 2012 annual police department report
During 2012 the police department responded to 7993 requests for service, down 3% from the previous year. There were 847 reported criminal offenses/incidents, a decrease of 22%. Domestic violence reports, sex offenses, and traffic crashes remained about the same as the previous year.
Serious crime was reduced dramatically in several areas. Assault is down 21% from the previous year, burglaries and break-in’s dropped 35%, and theft is down by 38%. The value of property stolen dropped from $256,732 in 2011 to $175,955 in 2012, a 31% decrease. Vandalized property also drastically decreased from $87,439 in 2011 to $30,639 in 2012, a 65% decrease. Recovered property was at 26%, about the same.
Motor vehicle thefts dropped to 9, a 40% decrease from the previous year, and criminal arrests rose to 894, a 2% increase. Overall, the serious crime index (crime rate) for Greenfield dropped to 299 from 467, a 36% decrease. This is the lowest it’s been in several years.
The auxiliary and reserve police force volunteered a total of 1912.5 hours in 2012. In addition to assisting officers on patrol and prisoner transports, the auxiliary and reserve force handles all parades, ball games, and other special events.
We were fortunate to once again receive a COPS Hiring grant in 2012. This grant pays 75% of the salary of a school resource officer for three years, with the school board picking up the remaining 25%.
A new 2011 Chevrolet Caprice was purchased in December to replace a 2007 Ford cruiser that had over 101,000 miles on it. The Ford also had a bad transmission and needed other major work.
The Hillsboro/Greenfield Joint Special Response Team performed several important operations throughout the year, including search warrants and other emergency responses. The team is made up of officers from both agencies and they train monthly to maintain their efficiency and effectiveness.
The police department K-9 division searched hundreds of cars on traffic stops throughout the year and located significant amounts of illegal narcotics. The K-9 units also performed building and school searches and did demonstrations for school and civic groups. The K-9 division is made up of Ptl. Havens & Dexi and Ptl. Leeth & Sando. In February they were joined by Ptl. Malone & Chica, along with a donated cruiser and equipment from the Village of Lynchburg.
In 2012 the police department transitioned to a new records management system for our calls and incidents. The system is provided free of charge by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and is the most up to date available. Training for the new system was provided by the Attorney General’s office.
During the year the city jail was inspected by the Bureau of Adult Detention, the Highland County Health Department, and the Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire Chief. All three inspections were passed with good reports.
The Attorney General’s office mandated that all certified officers receive training in Human Trafficking in 2012, and each regular employee was also required to complete other advanced training throughout the year, in addition to their regular firearms training. The following is a list of employees and the advanced training they received:
Breakfield:Records Management.
Havens:Jail Operation, Records Management, Hostage Negotiation, Human Trafficking.
Hester:Jail Operation, Records Management, LEADS, Human Trafficking
Johnson:Records Management, LEADS.
Leeth:Jail Operation, Records Management, Patrol Drug Operations, HumanTrafficking.
Little:Jail Operation, Records Management, Ohio Scrap Dealer Law.
Lowe:Jail Operation, Records Management, Evidence Room Management,Human Trafficking.
Malone:LEADS, Jail Operation, Records Management, Human Trafficking.
McNeil:Jail Operation, Records Management, LEADS, Firearms, Arrest & SelfDefense Tactics, Human Trafficking.
Mick:Jail Operation, Records Management, LEADS, Basic S.W.A.T., SchoolResource Officer Training, Human Trafficking.
Oyer:Jail Operation, Records Management, New OPOTA Pistol Scoring, CellPhone Analysis, Basic S.W.A.T., Managing Patrol Operations, S.W.A.T.
Team Leader-Emergency Operations Planning, Human Trafficking.
Schraw:Jail Operation, Records Management, Human Trafficking.
Respectfully submitted,
Chief Tim Hester
*******
YEAR END REPORT 2012
PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR
Brian Smith
Railroad
1. Close out (ORDC/ODOT) Cross Buck Project of 2011
2. Close out 2011 Bridge Rehabilitation and Cross Tie Projects (ORDC Grants)
3. EDA Grant Project
4. ODOT 629 Grant Project (railroad crossings)
5. CDBG Grant Project (bridge 74.30 repairs)
6. ORDC Grant Project (matching funds for EDA grant)
7. Worked with I&ORY on Train Derailment on Bridge 74.30
8. Entered into Agreement with the P.U.CO to Update Crossing Flashing Signals to 12”
LED Lights (Herzog has completed the work)
9. Repairs made to Crossing Flashing Signals Operations on Cemetery Road
(Mid-South) made repairs
10. Worked with the P.U.C.O. Inspector on Violations on Railroad Crossings and
Other areas of the Railroad
11. Prepared ORDC Loan Application for Train Derailment Repairs
12. Begin working with ORDC, P.U.C.O., I&ORY About Putting Crossing Gates up on
Noble Road
13. Member of Port Authority Exploratory Committee
14. Attended Railroad Shippers Meeting
******
SEWER
1. WWTP Phase 2 Project (Peterson Construction)
2. Hold Weekly Conference Calls with Woolpert on WWTP Phase 2 Project
3. Attended Monthly Construction Progress Meetings on WWTP Phase 2 Project (Peterson Construction, Woolpert)
4. Worked on Permit to Install for Secondary UV System and Non- Potable Water
System (OEPA Required)
5. Worked with USACE to Install parallel Piping into there Pumping Station at the
WWTP to Eliminate Bypass Events
6. Worked with USACE on Them Honoring there 1977 Operating Agreement of there
Pumping Station at the WWTP
7. Completed Plan of Action for Wastewater Overflows (OEPA required)
8. USACE Requested a Levee Seepage Study in the Areas of the Clarifiers and the 30”
Influent Pipe (AMEC Engineering is under contract to perform the study)
9. Hired Don Voigt as Independent Engineer to Look into and Recommend Repairs on
Jet Aeration Pump Failures
10. 600 Block S.4TH Street, 320’ of 8” Sanitary Sewer Replaced (Cox Paving)
11. Jefferson Street Lift Station, had Discharge Piping Rerouted to 6” Force Main on
Jefferson Street, the 4” Force Main Heading South of the Lift Station can Still be
Utilized by Opening a Valve
12. The 1985 OWDA Loan for Improvements at the WWTP was paid off
13. Hold Open House at WWTP
14. Had GIS Mapping of Sewer System (OVRDC Grant)
15. Ohio Department of Development Monitor WWTP Phase1 ARC Grant
WATER
1. Completion and Close out of the North/N8th Water Main Replacement Project
2. Westerman to begin Installing New Pump and Tower Controls in Water Pumping
Station
3. Prepared OEPA Application for Scrap Tire Removal
4. GIS Mapping of Water System
5. E-Coli Issues
6. Hold Open House at Water Pumping Station
STREET
1. Completion of Storm Sewer Project at Hearth& Care
2. Worked on Change Order on ODOT Project (N. Washington St. Paving)
3. Paving of Edgewood Avenue
4. Paving of McClain Avenue 300-500 Block
5. Paving of McClain Avenue 600 Block (CDBG Grant)
6. GIS Mapping
CEMETERY
1. Had more Piping Installed in Ditch
2. Working with George Foltz on Chapel Repairs
OTHER
1. Sidewalk& Curb Inspections
2. Property Maintenance Inspections
3. City Hall Fire Sprinkler Inspection
4. Leaks Repaired in Fire Sprinkler System in City Hall
5. Boiler Serviced in City Hall
Respectfully Submitted
Brian Smith
Public Service Director
*******
2012 ANNUAL REPORT-CEMETERY DEPT
Greenfield cemetery report for 2012
Prepared by Jonathan Brewer and Margaret Mobley
There were a total of 91 funerals in 2012. 66 cornerstones were ordered and are in process of being installed on grave sites. 50 cemetery lots were purchased. 31 deeds were typed and mailed to lot owners. Payments were received for opening and closings of cemetery lots and were receipted. Also payments for lot purchases were received and receipted and applied to accounts.
Cleaned up cemetery for Memorial Day.
An 89 foot cement footer was poured and name plates of the persons who were reinterred from the mausoleum were installed in the footer.
Several issues involving lot ownership were satisfactorily resolved with all parties involved.
Repaired monuments and footers damaged by vandalism. Filled in several lots with dirt that had depressed due to weather. Cleaned up tree and debris due to weather,
Installed new cemetery rule signs at entrances of cemetery.
Performed routine maintenance on buildings and equipment. Replaced one mower.
The City of Greenfield and Pioneer cemeteries were mowed and maintained throughout the year.
The Cemetery account had a positive balance at end of year.
********
2012 yearly Waste Water Treatment Plant report
Prepared by: Jim McCoy- Chief Operator,
Chuck Duff-class I operator, Jim Faulconer-laborer.
| Greenfield wwtp monthly totals |
|
|
| ||||
| MONTH | FLOW | RAINFALL | WASTED | DRY TON | SSO | By-PASS | Violations |
| JAN | 46.292 | 4.8 | 191170 |
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
| FEB | 24.848 | 1.07 | 152013 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MAR | 25.739 | 2.4 | 188169 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| APR | 18.773 | 2.59 | 324644 | 71.68 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MAY | 30.026 | 5.49 | 294983 |
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
| JUNE | 14.868 | 1.14 | 314674 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| JULY | 13.345 | 3.72 | 379898 |
| 0 | 0 | 1 |
| AUGUST | 12.217 | 1.635 | 343332 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SEPT | 11.976 | 2.87 | 309546 |
| 0 | 0 | 1 |
| OCT | 13.516 | 2.62 | 331306 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NOV | 12.959 | 0.75 | 277302 | 40.92 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DEC | 25.875 | 5.54 | 294738 |
| 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTALS | 250.434 | 34.625 | 3401775 | 112.6 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
Collection
Sewer replaced at S. 4th St between Lyndon and Dickey.
Piping changes were made at the Jefferson St. lift station to help reduce flow to a sanitary sewer overflow location. So far it appears to be working as planned.
Sewer calls (35) Ran sewer jet (7), Ran cable cutter (0)
Sanitary sewer overflows (2)
Applied copper sulfate (3)
Lift Station:
Diesel pump run time 44.5 Hours
Electric pump (A) 1760.5 Hours…. Daily average 4.85 hrs.
Electric pump (B) 1526.2 Hours…. Daily average 4.18 hrs.
WWTP
Phase II construction was completed which consisted of demolition of some very old no longer in service tanks, 2 clarifiers, 2 primary tanks, 1 trickling filter and 2 pump stations. The clarifier and primary tanks needed to be cleaned using a “vac truck” with Tele-Vac performing the service. We replaced 2 old rotating clarifier drive units with new Ovivo drives and sludge collectors. Also to assist in algae control covers were installed above the clarifier channels and are working great. The aerobic digester process also received a much needed upgrade with 4 new blowers and new fine air diffusers were installed. New sludge pumps and flow metering were also installed that supply the belt press. A new sludge cake storage pad and drain lift station has replaced some very old storage pads and should provide Greenfield WWTP with years of service. Also a new chemical feed building was built which provides the wwtp 2 feed locations when needed, the chemical “alum” is used to treat phosphorus. A new UV disinfection system (Calgon) was also installed to provide the wwtp with high flow disinfection when needed. Parallel piping was installed from each process to the next to eliminate the plant overflows. Also a non potable water system was installed to help protect the drinking water supply.
OEPA violations
2 Plant By-passes
2 Total suspended solids….caused by high flow
1 Low dissolved oxygen concentration
1 Total phosphorus concentration….caused by operator error….failed to open 1 of 3 valves after tank fills.
1 Weekly ammonia concentration limit….caused by what is believed to be by industrial discharge.
********
Clerk’s Annual Report for 2012
Roberta Karnes
Village Council held (27) clerked council meetings as follows:
24Scheduled regular meetings
3Called special meetings
Village Council addressed (62) new pieces of legislation; breakdown as follows:
34Ordinances –28 duly adopted, 2 tabled, 0 failed and 4 carried.
22 of the 28 adopted ordinances were passed by emergency measure. 4 ordinances were carried forward into 2013 for additional readings
28Resolutions –26 duly passed, 1 tabled, 0 failed and 1 carried.
24 of the 26 adopted resolutions were passed by emergency measure. 1 resolution was carried forward into 2013 for additional readings.
Resolutions carried forward from 2011: 2 duly adopted and 1 tabled.
Village Council held (19) committee meetings as follows:
14Finance
5Ordinance
CITY INDUSTRIAL PARK 175 ACRES OF CROPLAND
$31,762.50Cash rent collected 2012 (paid bi-annual April & November; increased $16,887.50)
$2,378.32Tax collected(payment of Highland County Real Estate 2012 tax statement; increased $30.74 from previous annual payments)
ROSS COUNTY 11 ACRE OF CROPLAND
$1,771.00Cash rent collected 2012
Respectfully submitted,
Roberta Karnes, Clerk of Council
*******
City Manager and Public Service Director - 2012 Year End Report
Respectfully Submitted,
Jessica Ross, Clerical Assistant
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
(i.e. high grass/weeds, trees/tree limbs, brush, vegetation overgrowth, junk, trash, garbage, building code violations, etc.)
Est. (425)++Inspections and compliance inspections (follow-ups may comprise of 2 or more)
Est. (89)30-day & 10-day notices prepared and sent certified mail
*10 of those were 2nd letters issued
(13)+Properties were cleaned up by private contractor
(12)-Properties were cleaned by contracted workers
$2,814.61-Fees collected and Received from the Highland County Auditor for Property Tax Assessments filed 2010 & 2009
$1,448.68Fees collected from property owner for property clean up invoiced in 2011
$ 664.19Fees collected from (1) property owner and (2) banks for property clean up invoiced in 2012
CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION
(98)-Registered Commercial/Residential Contractors (1 contractor paid fee but didn’t give paperwork)
$2,187.50Fees collected
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS
(i.e. demolition, sidewalk, street openings, etc.)
(20)+Construction permit applications submitted; permits issued as follows:
(12) Sidewalk/CurbsFees collected$300.00
(7)DemolitionFees collected$350.00
(1)Street OpeningFees collected$2000.00 (these fees are refundable upon request after 90 days and inspection made approving the backfill work)
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS
(117)-Building permit applications submitted to Ross County Building Dept.; permits issued as follows:
(27)- Commercial/BusinessImprovement values$306,090.00
(90)- Residential permitsImprovement values$397,934.00
Commercial/Residential permit breakdown as follows:
(11)New structures (i.e. garage, storage building, new porch, etc.)
(46)Electrical (i.e. upgrades, shut-off inspections, new wiring, etc.)
(13)Gas
(35)Roofing (went down 200)
(10)HVAC
(3)Additions (walls, added rooms, etc.)
(2)Sign
(3)Other (random permits that didn’t fall under any other category)
BUSINESS LICENSE
(4)-Businesses submitted application and were licensed as follows:
(4)Trash/Garbage Collection ServiceTotal fees collected$510.00
Trash/Garbage licenses breakdown as follows:
G01-12 2 trucksFees collected $120.00
G02-12 1 trucksFees collected $110.00
G03-12 6 truckFees collected $160.00
G04-12 2 trucksFees collected $120.00
PAYROLL
(28)Payrolls completed; including Clothing Allowance and Comp Time Pay Out
This includes:
(4) Council pays
(28) Federal tax/Medicare payments
(12) State, School District, City tax payments
(4) Quarterly tax payments to W.C.H.
(12) Police Pension and OPERS payments
(3) Quarterly Job & Family Unemployment reports submitted (1st quarter was done by Bev)
(15) Direct Deposit payrolls successfully completed
Plus an audit of accrual time on all employees
*******
Paint Creek Joint Fire and Life Squad District
Submitted by Chief Bradley George
*******
January 15, 2013
TO: Betty Bishop
FROM: Carolyn Snodgrass, Finance Director
RE: 2012 Year End Report
The Village began the year with positive carryover balances in all funds. The carryover balance for all funds into 2013 is $1,985,723.99 with special emphasis on the carryover of an unencumbered General Fund balance of $511,032.39.
We were very pleased to have this General Fund balance especially after purchasing a new police cruiser and transferring $77,919.21 to the Railroad Fund for derailment costs.
Our total Revenue for 2012 was $7,506,076.67. Our total Expenses for 2012 were
$6,911,354.68. Every effort was made to keep all 2012 expenditures in the year 2012.
All departments and personnel have worked diligently to keep expenses to a minimum and stay within their budgets.
VOLUNTEERISM
As your City Manager I have noticed how this community comes together in time of need. I took the liberty to ask for some reports of volunteerism over the last year to make each of you aware of some of the activities that happen on a daily basis by volunteers. In a case study done by Ohio University Voinivich Center over 200 people were identified and we know that is only a drop in the bucket. That case study can be accessed by going to the Greenfield Web site at greenfieldohio.net or contact the city managers office for a copy.
*******
G3
G3 report filed by Ron Coffey: I served on Greening Greater Greenfield (G3) committee and we had monthly meetings concerning projects and activities for the benefit of Greenfield. Following is a brief summary of our activities:
Our goals included the following:
1. Identify a Greenfield “brand.” The result: “Greenfield, Ohio – A Greene Countrie Towne Since 1799.”
2. Make Greenfield Green & Clean
3. Develop a business readiness plan.
4. Develop a tourism plan.
5. Explore funding partnerships.
Our activities included:
Participating in the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure promoting Greenfield before, during and after the bikers’ Greenfield visit in June.
Sponsoring the second annual Greenfield Oktoberfest.
Planning for initial Blues, Brews & Stews event in February 2013.
Energy assessments conducted by G3 subcommittee, Greenfield Energy Solutions (GES) on 167 homes in the local school district.
Through a series of sponsorships and event partnerships, G3 has developed a successful fundraising strategy to finance local projects and events. Also, supporters may donate to G3 through the Greenfield Foundation and get a tax exemption.
The work done by G3, GES and other committees has been featured in a case study by the George Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University. The green energy activities and collaborative efforts to develop community-based solutions have made a difference in Greenfield and may serve as a model for other towns hoping to develop leadership and community engagement. Thanks to each of the more than 100 people who have invested their time and talents in this important and ongoing endeavor!
Committee members have assisted with Greenfield website and social media, and participated in many non-G3 activities such as Greenfield Beautification Day, G4T, Community Yard Sale, Farmers Market, the Greene Countrie Towne Festival, History Day, Ghost Walk, Light Up City Hall and others.
G3 is all about collaboration and working with others to advance our community. While there is much still to be done, we have many dedicated volunteers willing to help make our future bright.
*******
GES
GES (Greenfield Energy Solutions) Report filed by Sam Bowers
Goals to provide 167 energy assessments and make 333 contacts in the Greenfield area
*GES & HCCAO to split assessments
*Training funded by Department of Development & Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy included
*One week of Solar PV site assessment
*One week of Solar Thermal site assessment
*One week of training BPI
*Numerous events to make contacts to recruit assessments to do
Out of 3 pilot cities GES was the only one to complete all goals
*********
[[In-content Ad]]
GREENFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Greenfield Historical Society report filed by Harold Schmidt
Greenfield Historical Society Mission:
The Greenfield Historical Society is non-profit and exists to further historical preservation and education in Greenfield, Ohio and the surrounding area. To this end, the society maintains all Greenfield Historical Society's properties for collecting, preserving and interpreting archival materials and artifacts indigenous to the Greenfield area; encourages historical research; sponsors programs, displays and special events; is concerned with the preservation of historical buildings; and cooperates with other organizations interested in historic preservation.
Volunteers
All work accomplished by the Greenfield Historical Society is volunteers except for major construction/repairs such as roof work or tuck pointing the Smith Tannery.
2012 Preservation Activities:
Images of America Greenfield, a book of historical photographs, was published in January of this year. The book included photographs from the society's collections along with photographs shared by several Greenfield area residents. The work of putting the book together was accomplished by an all volunteer committee during 2011.
Photograph Preservation Grant is an ongoing activity that began this year. A grant was received through Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) to help the society purchase computer software and storage materials to catalog and preserve the society's photograph collection. The work on this project is continuing and will eventually encompass all the society's collections.
Smith Tannery Tuck pointing and Repair was accomplished through funds provided by the recent Waddell Estate Donation. John Daughtery, local stone mason, was hired to retuck the stonework and replace missing stones. The doors will soon be replaced with energy efficient models.
Film Digitization of the 1969 movie produced for the 1969 McClain Arts Festival was professionally digitized. Funds for this project came from the Waddell Estate Donation. Not only does the film give a history of Greenfield, but it also provides a glimpse of what Greenfield looked like in 1969.
Konneker Education Museum butterfly garden was planted and maintained by volunteers. The garden is a way to honor Ann Lee Konneker who along with her husband, Dr. Wilfred Konneker, give so much to the community through the Konneker scholarship awarded each year to a McClain graduate.
Browder Life Saving Machine Purchase was made in 2012, thanks to the Waddell Estate Donation. The net, invented and manufactured in Greenfield, was found on Ebay. The board contacted the seller and worked with him to purchase the net that was previously used in the Baltimore, Maryland fire department.
2012 Programming Activities:
All of the activities are organized by members of the historical society board and manned by board members and other members of the society. We have been so lucky to have a great working board and many people who say yes when we call to ask for assistance. All are volunteering their time to help get the society's name out in the public and to help provide lots of local history to our town.
Sunday Dinners, held on the first Sundays of January, February and March are a fundraising event that has proved successful for several years. Guests are served a complete sit down dinner by wait persons and enjoy time to visit with friends.
Spring Tea held on a Sunday in April provides a means of fundraising while also sharing a part of Greenfield's history with the community. In 2012 Danny Long portrayed Rear Admiral Noble Irwin sharing the life story of the admiral with the audience.
Greenfield Inventors and Manufacturers was a field trip provided to the fourth graders of Rainsboro school. The visit provided the students with information about various inventors and manufacturers that called Greenfield their home, and products that were manufactured here in Greenfield. The students were given a small booklet of information that they could take back to the classroom to continue learning. This was the first time for this event and will be made available to all fourth graders of the Greenfield School system in 2013.
Summer Dessert Evening held in June was a new event to provide a means for residents to come and visit with friends over a dessert and drink in a pleasant atmosphere. Fundraising was not a priority. Even with threatening weather the event was relatively successful.
Greene Countrie Towne Festival booth for the historical society was set up downtown and proved successful. It was a means of fundraising through the sale of society books and souvenirs and sharing Greenfield's history through the displays. Many personal connections were made when people stopped to talk and share.
Cemetery Stroll held in August at the Greenfield Cemetery was a new event this year. The event was a means for residents to walk through the cemetery and learn about various aspects of Greenfield's history. A guide book was researched and prepared by several society members and provided to the visitors. Even being a free event, it still proved to be a fundraiser through many donations.
History Day was held on the first Saturday in October. This was the sixth year for the event. This year we celebrated 200th anniversary of the building of Travelers Rest and the recent acquisition of a Browder Life Saving Machine. The event provided many opportunities for visitors to learn about Greenfield's history, be entertained, find a bargain in the Barnyard Sales area and have a meal. Again visiting with friends was a popular activity during the event.
Ghost Walk was held on the second Monday of October. History came alive in the Old Burying Ground as society members portrayed past residents of Greenfield buried in the Old Burying Ground. Five residents were portrayed along with several children. Again, education was the main goal of the event with close to one hundred and twenty in attendance. A free will hot dog supper was held before the event.
John Parker Program was held in October for all the fifth graders in the Greenfield Schools. This was the second year for the event. With donations from the Rainsboro PTO, the Buckskin PTO and David Larkin, the society was able to have Anthony Gibbs, a teaching artist, visit the schools and share the story of John Parker, a former slave who earned his freedom, became a successful businessman in Ripley, Ohio and helped many slaves escape by way of the Underground Railroad. This is the second year for the event and we look forward to continuing it in the coming years. Students were provided with a copy of the society's Underground Railroad pamphlet and the teachers were given materials to reinforce Greenfield's importance in the flight of escaped slaves to freedom.
Tour of Homes was held the first Sunday of December as a fundraiser. There were three homes on the tour this year along with the Greenfield United Methodist Church which was celebrating the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the present church building. In addition to the tour, the society opened the Konneker Education building for a free display of nativities from the University of Dayton Marion Library collections. This was a first time for this event in Greenfield and the response was excellent. Tentative plans are to repeat this event with the possibility of having local residents share their nativities. The society's annual Baked Steak Dinner was also held during the event.
******
LIGHT UP CITY HALL
LIGHT UP CITY HALL report filed by Jennifer Lowe
In the Spring of 2012 a small group of citizens banded together via face book communications in a effort of making Greenfield a better place and providing more activities to make our community more attractive. These were not classified as "committee/board/commission type groups but rather just individuals with several ideas.
I believe other community groups have latched on to some of the ideas and are working on heading them up to make them successful. Example: the upcoming "blues, brews and stews" idea started in conversation via this group and I believe G3 is heading up that event.
A work group was formed that volunteered their time trying to spruce up the school playground area in conjunction with Mr. Fouch and the maintenance crew from the school. They donated flowers which were planted in various areas, made a watering system for keeping the flowers watered, did a lot of clean up and formed their own "police type" group who spent time over the summer keeping an eye on some of the teens using the playground for not so nice activities. I believe they plan to continue more ideas there when the weather permits with some paint sprucing up. This group also began some work in conjunction with the subjects operating Mitchell's park. This is also still an ongoing effort to continue into 2013. Flowers were planted in the park, a lot of clean up was done. New scoreboards for some of the ball diamonds that do not have scoreboards are being designed and planned to be installed. Additional playground equipment is being looked at for installation possibly in conjunction with assistance from the Mother's Club. Refreshing on the sand volleyball pit is in the works which will benefit the high school volleyball team. They wish to practice some in the sand to improve their game. Maintained on the shelter house is planned to make it more enjoyable and useful. This group has spoken with Lowe's and Home Depot and gathered a lot of information on how those companies can assist with some ideas via donated materials. This group would then like to branch off and begin some development/incorporation of ideas into Felson's park and maybe eventually the stone quarry area.
The Operation Light Up City hall group donated countless hours all summer putting on funds raising events for their Christmas project. They did boogie on the black top events, participated in the community yard sale with an uptown community cookout, participated in the water fun days with the fire department, participated in the business owner's "1st Greenfield Walk and Shop" event, brought back the annual Christmas craft bizarre and continued numerous events in December on the court yard with Santa Claus, assisted the Greenfield Eagles in setting up the 1st night time Christmas Parade. They have many plans for events this summer to raise money to assist with turning this project into an annual event as well as raise money for the playgroup and park ideas.
Continued efforts from local businesses to attract people to Greenfield are in the process. They are discussing getting the Merchants Association back into activities and sprucing up the uptown area with a possible mural painting project on some buildings. A few owners have agreed to allow their buildings to have murals painted on them. Designs are in the works through local artists.
Another group formed headed up by Ron Dudley to work on cleaning up the bike path and do some assessments on expansion.
Another unnamed group has been communicating with area Amish/Mennonite communities and discussing the possibilities of opening Amish/Mennonite businesses in town to assist both communities in prosperity. They have agreed to partake in some mentioned ideas but details still have to be worked out for this project gets set in place.
These are just some things I have personally been involved in or are aware of that have taken place over the past year and that the private citizens involved plan to continue working on into 2013.
*********
GREENWAY TO RECREATION
Report provided by Shari Balar who co-chaired the "Greenfield Green Way To Recreation Committee" with Debra Crago.
Sit on the G3 committee. Chaired G3's Greenway to Recreation committee. Formed a welcoming committee to welcome over 2000 people to Greenfield during GOBA. Our goal was to make the cyclists and their families first lunch stop of the week the most memorable and a welcome they would not forget! I believe we went beyond that and made an impression to make them want to "Wheel Back to Greenfield" in the future. Helped organize the very successful second annual Oktoberfest. Goals for 2013.... Continue to serve on G3, expand the "Greenway to Recreation" possibilities, and work closer with other organizations and groups to exceed our potential. Facilitate "Winter Blues" event. Thanks for a wonderful year in 2012, and a better 2013!
*******
COMMUNITY-WIDE YARD SALE
AND
TREE COMMISSION
Community-Wide Yard Sale and Tree Commission report filed by Ron Dudley.
I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to work with Earlene Scott on the community-wide yard sale this year. Along with the success of the event I also got to work with highland county recycling, the boy scouts, and your office on the Greenfield cleanup day. I look forward to the next event.
I was happy to find and assist several of the other volunteer groups that were working cleaning up and improving the parks.
I am excited to be a part of the tree commission as it evolves and look forward to the positive impacts it will have for years to come.
I am grateful to be a part of the g3 committee where ideas and resources can be shared and leveraged to make Greenfield the best it can be.
I am always happy to assist with Greenfield historical society and their events as I did with history day this year.
I am attending the tri-county trails meeting in January and hope to become a trustee for highland county to restart discussions on expanding and maintaining our trails in Greenfield.
The chapel work at the cemetery will be a topic for 2013 and looks promising.
******
GREENFIELD AREA CHRISTIAN CENTER
The Weller family moved back to Greenfield 20 years ago and has witnessed how the community comes together to help others. Immediately, this family started volunteering where ever the needs were seen.
Sandy Weller currently is on the board for the Greenfield Area Christian Center. She keeps the financial records and offers assistance to those in the community support with food, clothing or other support. Annette has volunteered with their Church as secretary and support of the congregation as needed. She has volunteered at the hospital and offers support for others with a disability.
Jim Weller works hard with the Greenfield Rotary Club; treasure, club organization support, and he helps with the annual festival. He also provides background support for the Needy Kids radiothon and the Society for Children and Adults telethon. He purchases and helps distribute dictionaries for all of the third graders and thesaurus to all of the fifth graders in the Greenfield school district.
Jim also works with the Greenfield Area Christian Center. As you know, the Christian Center has long been an integral part of the community and a valuable resource to those in need. The ministries of the organization include Food, Clothing, Tragic and Transient, Education, Ministry and New Directions. The current building has become crowded with the increase of family needs for food, over 400 families a week, and the requests for clothing.
Jim Weller designed a new building, obtained financial costs (projected to be $420,000). He is currently the Project Manager for this new community facility and performs some of the construction himself. This new facility will offer a larger food pantry (with family needs of over 400 families a week), a community room and New Directions. The building will have a gymnasium for the youth.
In the previous years, Jim has volunteered with many community activities/needs.
********
A Comprehensive Plan for the city was prepared in 2009. Many of those ideas and suggestions were used in 2010, 2011, and 2012. That is a five year plan so work from it will continue in 2013. Since this is a working document the administration and council will need to update the report.
I ask God each day for wisdom to do what is needed for the citizens of Greenfield, I ask him to keep me alert as we search for new business and new jobs. The future of this community looks a lot brighter today than it did a year ago. Johnson Controls returning to town is a very big boost. They have returned 120 jobs in 2011/2012 and projections for 96 more in 2012/2013. When they grow other local business and industry grow also.
With the severe economic downturn experienced over the last few years we have turned to thinking constantly about jobs. When not many job opportunities existed we turned to preparing for the future. You will notice that most of the work has been on infrastructure getting ready to be posed for the future. Phase II of the Waste Water Treatment facility was completed in 2012. Additional storm water drainage was installed in cooperation with Hearth and Care, increasing lineage of storm water output from 6 inches to 40 inches, The transition of the financial system was completed by the dedication and long hours of the Finance Office. We received confirmation of $1,000,000 from ODOD and CDBG in 2011 and was able to use that as part of the match to secure an additional $2.6 Million of EDA funding to repair the entire 29 miles of Greenfield Railroad. That work should be complete in 2013. The feasibility study was completed and reports a positive future for the Wind Project in 2013. A train derailment on the Paint Creek Railroad Bridge cost the village $70,000.00, which was a cost we did not need, but accidents do happen and thankfully due to an improved economy we could find the money to pay for the repairs.
This will be my final City Manager Report for the Community of Greenfield. Again I want to stress to you the value of every man and woman that works for the Village of Greenfield. From the very first day we started out as a team and what a team they have been. Each of them are very good, honest, hard-working people. The residents of this community have been very good to me and we have proven that working together much can be accomplished. To God be the Glory for everything that has been accomplished.
I want to congratulate Ron Coffey for being named your new City Manager. A very wise choice! I wish him great success as city manager and my hope for Greenfield, Ohio is growth and prosperity.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Bishop
City Manager
2009-2013